Oil level

[Guest]

I just dropped my oil and tried a different type of Rotella. Think it's just the T, believe I had the T5 in it previously but they didn't have it in stock and read this is better stuff. I have ran K&N oil filters no problem, but this time I figured I would run the OEM type. When I poured the oil in, I went to half of the sight glass, started it and checked the glass, it wasn't showing at all cold or warmed. Now with almost the whole 5L container poured in, probably half quart left its still not showing..No oil leaks either.

I ran it, no loud noises or anything
I'm guessing its just the type of oil thats in it now.

[jsandidge]

You probably have it overfilled. The oil may look a bit clear and it is above the sight glass.

[Cipher]

yu put 5 litres in? Yu over filled.....
a lean to the left will eventually show this on the sight glass.

[JTGS850GL]

Dump some of the oil and start over. You definitely overfilled it. Don't run the bike until you have. Possible to hydro-lock the engine if you don't

[jprice90]

Actually the container is 3.5qts, the 850 according to the manual calls for 3.8qts.

Cold on center stand the glass is full. Running, off stand, centered its not reading at all.

And I still am having issues with a small leak from oil filter cover, had issues with k&n filter orings and still do even with oem. Really annoying how it's so hard to find the correct diameter oring

[JTGS850GL]

Oil level is read while on the center stand. All will read low on the side stand. 3.5qts? Really? Never saw a Rotella container with that amount. All the larger containers I've seen are 1 gallon (4 quarts or 3.785L).

[jprice90]

Oh yeah youre correct.
I was going by the sight window on the container.
Either way, 3.8qts is the manual
My guess is the different oil?

[JTGS850GL]

Volume is volume. Differences in oil will have no bearing on fill level.

[hannibal]

You can't get an accurate reading with the bike running because some of the oil is moving through the engine and not sitting in the pan. Motor off on the center stand is how the manual says to check the level.

[jprice90]

So no oil on the sight running is ok?

[Cipher]

yes as its all up in the top end and in the various passages.

[dorkburger]

If I recall, my 1150 manual says a minute after the warm engine is shut off is when to check.
Plenty of times, ive started it in cool weather, and the window goes completely empty until its warm, and the oil thins.

[JTGS850GL]

Wow. Can't believe you were trying to measure the oil level with the engine running. Just for future reference: No vehicle I've ever seen had you check the oil level with the engine running.

[jprice90]

Drained that junk and went with Valvoline 20w50. Such a difference. Much quieter, shifts are quieter and smoother. My new oil.
Cost me $25 for 4 quarts though. IMO well worth it.

[chuck hahn]

When was the last valve adjustment?? The Rotella should have not made it make noise and adding a different weight oil is NOT the answer. Please post back all the required maintenance you have personally done...not what a previous owner or shop claims to have done. Many many hundrfeds of us run the Rotella oil and your the first that has posted a disdain for it.